Every year, on the second Thursday of October, the world celebrates World Sight Day. Organized by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), this day aims to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and the prevention of eye diseases.
Why a World Sight Day?
Sight is one of our most precious senses. Yet, according to the WHO, more than one billion people worldwide live with preventable or untreated visual impairment. The majority of these cases could be corrected with an eye exam, appropriate eyeglasses, or medical intervention.
World Sight Day therefore serves as a reminder that prevention and early detection are essential to preserving quality of life.
The most common eye diseases
Several conditions can threaten vision if not detected in time:
- Cataracts: the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide.
- Glaucoma: often asymptomatic in its early stages, it can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): a major cause of vision loss in older people.
- Diabetic retinopathy: a complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness.
- Uncorrected refractive errors: nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia, which can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Preserving your vision on a daily basis
World Sight Day is also a reminder that everyone can take simple steps to protect their eyes:
- Have your eyes examined regularly by an optometrist.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Adopt good screen habits to reduce digital eye strain.
A call to action
World Sight Day is more than just an awareness campaign: it is a call to action. Whether it's making an appointment for an eye exam, encouraging loved ones to do so, or supporting blindness prevention initiatives, everyone can help build a world where eye health is a priority.
Protecting your eyes means protecting your independence, safety, and quality of life. World Sight Day reminds us that seeing is living life to the fullest and that it is our responsibility to take care of our vision for today and tomorrow.
